Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Isaiah Mays

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Arizona State Hospital
Cemetery

Born:February 16, 1858 at Carters
Bridge, VA

Entered
Service in the US Army from Columbus Barracks, OH

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For
heroism May 11, 1889 at Cedar Springs, AZ

Died:May
02, 1925 at the age of 67

On May 11,
1889, the crack of gunfire split the midday quiet in a remote
corner of southeastern Arizona, not far from the tiny Mormon
settlement of Pima. From behind fortifications overlooking the
Fort Grant - Fort Thomas road, at a place known locally as
"Bloody Run," a band of highwaymen ambushed army
paymaster Major Joseph Washington Wham and his buffalo soldier
escort. Following a hard-fought battle, the bandits made off
with more than $28,000. The money was never recovered. Eight of
the twelve-man escort were wounded in the spirited defense of
the army payroll, Sergeant Benjamin Brown refusing to give up
his defense though shot in the abdomen and then wounded in both
arms. Corporal Isaiah Mays then crawled two miles to a ranch for
help. Both men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic,
though unsuccessful defense of the payroll, and the remaining
members of the escort received certificates of commendation.